Minneapolis boasts a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem, offering a wealth of resources to support small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs. Whether you’re launching a new venture or seeking to expand an existing business, the city provides numerous programs and organizations dedicated to fostering growth and success.
Key Support Organizations
Northside Economic Opportunity Network (NEON)
NEON focuses on building wealth for low-to-moderate income entrepreneurs in North Minneapolis. They offer free technical support, business development services, and access to capital, including business loans and grants. In 2025, NEON disbursed $2.8 million in loans and provided over 6,000 hours of technical assistance to more than 2,000 entrepreneurs.
NextStage
NextStage provides customized support for entrepreneurs at every stage of business development. Their services include business planning, startup assistance, and growth strategies. In partnership with the City of Minneapolis, NextStage offers free consulting to help businesses plan, start, and thrive.
Impact Hub Minneapolis-Saint Paul
Impact Hub MSP is part of a global network focused on building entrepreneurial communities for social impact. They connect entrepreneurs and innovators to resources, knowledge, and community through shared workspace, training opportunities, one-on-one coaching, and curated events.
Metropolitan Economic Development Association (MEDA)
MEDA provides integrated services in business consulting, access to capital, and connections to help entrepreneurs succeed. Their programs, such as Ascend Twin Cities, offer business owners consulting services and work with partners to deepen supplier diversity programs.
City and County Initiatives
Small Business Resiliency Fund
In response to challenges faced by small businesses, the City of Minneapolis established a $7 million Small Business Resiliency Fund. This initiative provides license fee relief, support for events and activations in commercial areas, cultural market grants, and more, aiming to help businesses recover and rebuild.
Elevate Hennepin
Elevate Hennepin is a Hennepin County initiative designed to support small businesses by providing access to professional advising, training, and resources. The program connects businesses with experienced advisors who offer guidance on marketing, financial planning, business strategy, legal compliance, and operations management.
Entrepreneurial Training Programs
Entrepreneurship 101
The Asian American Business Resilience Network offers a free four-week Entrepreneurship 101 course. Participants receive training on business fundamentals and may be eligible for financial support upon completion of a business plan.
Policy Support
The City of Minneapolis recognizes the vital role of small businesses in the local economy. Policy 56 of the Minneapolis 2040 plan emphasizes supporting the development, growth, and retention of small businesses, particularly those owned by minorities, women, and low-income individuals. This policy aims to create opportunities for wealth building and economic equity through entrepreneurship.
By leveraging these resources and programs, Minneapolis entrepreneurs can access the support needed to navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and contribute to the city’s dynamic economic landscape.